Our Mentors and Crew
Chris Compton, CHME
Chris has stepped through a 44-year career in the HVACR industry; JM Perry Trade on the GI Bill, A Lead Service Technician in Residential-Industrial, Successful Contractor in Residential-Industrial and then on to be a Global HVACR CTE Educator due to his working career and experience in HVACR technology and master ability to teach in the F2F or Online. The online program has brought much to the table for thousands of technicians over its 27-year run.
He has been certified at Service Level in five NATE specialties. He is certified as a CMHE, Certified by HVAC Excellence as a Master HVACR Educator. In 1997 he received the National RSES Imperial award for being the top gun Commercial Refrigeration technician. 1998 he was selected as on of the top 10 CTE educators in the U.S. by ACTE (Association of Career & Technical Education). In 2011 his design of the ItsAboutQ.net program for California utilities won the National “Dealer Design” Gold Award from the ACHR News. In 2014 he was named the Teacher of the Year by the ACHR News. Chris has been teaching in the classroom and the online mode for 31 years.
Through the online program students consistently test in the top 10% of the Industry’s National Certification Exams and State Journeyman Exams. Chris serves as an educational consultant provider to large and small contractors and facility maintenance operations, loves to talk to students, and provides HVACR learning around the Globe. It seems he likes what he does!
Todd Kler
Dean of Academic Affairs – CMHE, MATT
My career began in aviation, where I earned a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Management from Southern Illinois University and an Associate Degree in Aviation Science from Mt. San Antonio College, later earning credentials as a Certified Master HVACR Educator (CMHE), a Mechanical Acceptance Test Technician (MATT), and dual Building Performance Institute (BPI) certifications as a Building Analyst Professional and an A/C and Heat Pump Professional—credentials that strengthen my focus on energy efficiency, technical accuracy, and applied diagnostics within HVAC/R education. I also hold formal certification in Distance Education Instruction under California Community Colleges Title 5 standards, reflecting my commitment to effective online pedagogy and compliance with recognized distance learning quality measures. In addition, I am pursuing certification through ACUE to further strengthen my focus on evidence-based teaching practices and learner engagement in online education.
At HVACRedu.net, I work to advance our mission of delivering accredited, industry-aligned education that bridges the skills gap in the HVACR workforce. I have collaborated with organizations including Southern California Edison (SCE), CLEAResult, CalCERTS, Compton College, and Mt. San Antonio College (Mt. SAC), focusing on workforce development, curriculum design, and HVAC certification programs. Through collaborative partnerships and curriculum leadership, I help shape the next generation of HVACR professionals worldwide through initiatives that now extend into emerging markets such as Africa. I value the collaboration of our academic and administrative teams in maintaining the high standards and responsiveness that define HVACRedu.net’s success. My approach combines technical precision with learner-centered design to build programs that meet both accreditation standards and real-world performance expectations.
I oversee curriculum innovation and educational quality assurance to ensure that every HVACRedu.net program meets the highest levels of academic and industry integrity. Guided by a student-centered philosophy and a commitment to measurable results, I emphasize accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement in every course and initiative. Honored by HVAC Excellence among the “Top 25 Most Influential HVACR Instructors and Trainers” for consecutive years, I remain dedicated to advancing accessible, accredited, and industry-recognized online HVACR education that prepares learners for lasting success. Every course, every student, and every credential earned reflects our shared commitment to elevating the HVACR profession through accredited education and recognized national standards of excellence.
Brandi Evers
Director of Administration and Student Services – M.S, SHRM-CP
I’m the Director of Administration and Student Services at Hvacredu.net, where I lead with operational precision and a deep commitment to both team and student success. My role bridges HR strategy, administrative systems, and student support, ensuring our organization runs smoothly, and our learners have the tools they need to thrive.
Walter Nelson
Subject Matter Expert Educator
My name is Walter Nelson. I am honored to be one of the online instructors here at HVACRedu.net. I am excited to have you here and I am looking forward to working with you. I have over 35 years of in field service experience.
I started my career as a Design/Application engineer at a Major refrigeration manufacturing plant. I was given the opportunity to go into the field to see my design/application work in the physical world. Well, that was all it took; I was hooked! I became a journeyman through the Union, and the rest they say is history! My specialty is Commercial/Supermarket service, install, but I’ve done it all, including owning my own business and teaching apprentices on the worksite for years.
The trade you are embarking on is one of unlimited opportunities!
Ron Auvil
Building Automation Systems Author, Instructor and Subject Matter Expert
Ron Auvil is the guy that ‘wrote the book’ on Building Automation Systems and a leading voice in today’s movement toward operational excellence. He is the author of, “HVAC Control Systems” by American Technical Publishers.
As a lead instructor for a major controls manufacturer, Ron designed and taught a program for brand new technicians on installing and troubleshooting mechanical systems and BAS. He also spent years working as a senior technician, troubleshooter, and project manager. He has worked with some of the world’s largest and most quality-conscious companies, providing custom training on how to improve the operations of their environmental systems. His clients have included NASA, the Pentagon, the University of South Carolina, and others. You can be his next.
Ron will be teaching a sequential series of live courses combined with blended learning sessions (a combination of online anytime and real time face to face), and several online only courses.
Dick Wirz
Commercial Refrigeration Author, Subject Matter Expert and Educator
Dick Wirz has been in the HVACR trade since 1963 and owned a commercial refrigeration company for 25 years. He holds Master Licenses for both HVACR and Electricity in three states.
He is also NATE certified in all categories. After his first retirement in 2001 he became an Associate Professor and Asst. Dean for the A/C-Refrigeration program at Northern Virginia Community College before retiring in 2014. He is the author of Commercial Refrigeration for Air Conditioning Technicians published by Cengage. He and his wife Irene have developed Instructor CD training aids under their company name of Refrigeration Training Services which are used in HVACR training programs and schools in all 50 States. .
Bob Feathers
HVACR, Refrigeration, and Rack Subject Matter Expert and Educator
Bob has over 40 years in the HVAC/R trade in both field experience, program administration, and the education side of the business. He recently retired From Emerson Climate Technologies as a Technical Training Specialist— “The Copeland Guy”.
Bob operates his own company, HVAC Specialties TAC (Training Accreditation, Consulting) in SW Florida. He is NATE Certified in All Categories. Some of his other positions include: Ohio licensed contractor in HVAC, Hydronics, and Refrigeration, Instructor and Department Chairperson for RETS Technical Center, and he developed, and presented online training for HVACRedu.net, for the Supermarket field. These courses are designed for new technicians wanting to learn more about Parallel Rack systems, or the current AC Technician to broaden his knowledge in Refrigeration.
While at Emerson, he was instrumental in the development of numerous new and updated training programs such as: Compressor Applications & Technologies, the Supermarket Seminar, Refrigeration Troubleshooting, COSS, and Copeland Technical Specialist programs.
He also developed specialized training for United Refrigeration, Johnstown Supply, Hussmann Refrigeration, to name a few. In addition, he has been very active contributing to and serving industry organizations: ACCA, AHRI, CARE, PAHRA, NATE, and HVAC Excellence.
He has earned many industry certifications, recognitions, and awards. One example is AHRI’s Instructor of the year in 2003 by the Refrigeration News, and has been featured in numerous articles.
Bob and his wife Robin reside in Fort Myers, Florida and enjoy the salt life these days.
Ryan Findley
Ductless Minisplit Subject Matter Expert and Educator
Ryan is not only a highly skilled technician, but he is a premier industry educator. Ryan attended Wichita State University, and completed his Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance program at Vatterott College. His over 15 years of work experience in the HVACR industry includes: Ferguson-Williams, LLC, School of the Osage, Vogel Sheet Metal & Heating, Inc., Thermal Mechanics, Inc., and Fujitsu General America, Inc.
We are pleased to have him join HVACRedu.net as a Ductless Minisplit Subject Matter Expert and Educator!
Dale Ehrenheim
HVACR Water Treatment Subject Matter Expert and Educator
Dale earned his college degree in biology and chemistry which helped pave his way into the water treatment field. Over the course of his 30 plus years in water treatment, Dale has worked with the largest leading companies in the United States, and many others of all sizes.
Dale helped and trained hundreds in how to promote efficient operations, save water, and reduce overall maintenance costs, saving them thousands, even millions, of dollars. His tenure includes employment and training from two of the largest water treatment companies in the world, now known as Suez Water Technologies and Nalco Water, an Ecolab company. Each of these companies furthered and solidified his expertise within water treatment. They helped him gain his credentials as a water treatment expert. Furthermore, they gave him the skills to be a leader in sales as well as customer service.
Rather than using a single know-it-all approach to solving problems, he chooses a consultative approach. Dale does not believe in one size fits all solutions. He helps his clients find their own best approach that fits their unique situation and needs. Dale loves helping others and combining his technical expertise to solve problems and teach others. He continues to do so today, primarily by focusing on teaching and coaching water treatment clients.
In his spare time, he loves to follow sports, cook, sing, and enjoy the outdoors among other things.
Our Crew
Dan Linthicum
Content Development Coordinator
Hello, my name is Dan Linthicum. I’m very excited to see your interest in online education and specifically HVACRedu.net! I have a diverse background working as an Equipment Operator in a steam power plant, Retail Operations Supervisor and Human Resources Trainer for an oil company, Owner of several small businesses dealing with computer systems, training materials, books and gifts, consulting, and I’ve worked in construction, remodeling, and property project management. Then, just to round out my skill set, I am a musician and sound and recording technician. In my close to 37 years involved in business operations, management and employee selection and training, what has always impressed me is the importance of keeping ourselves open to new opportunities for expansion and growth, personally and in our career goals and relationships.
Ben Garrison
Director of Development
I’m a Sandpoint, Idaho native who never really left the area accept to attend college. Graduating with a degree in Graphic Design in 2002, I have been fortunate to have a successful career as a working designer in many different industries, such as printing production, grocery, health and fitness, and media houses.
The move to HVACRedu.net has been a fantastic transition to something that’s new, but that I can easily incorporate my skill sets to benefit our students by providing engaging content.
Outside of work I am a passionate cyclist, family man, outdoors person and tinker. I share my life with my beautiful wife of 20+ years, Samanda, an amazing 11 year old boy named Teagan, and 2 dogs, Kaslo and Nelson. We live for boating, camping, bikes, outdoors and adventure.
Erica Young
Instructional Content and Technology Associate
I’m thrilled to be part of the HVACRedu.net team. I began my career teaching elementary students, where I discovered my passion for instruction. That experience inspired me to transition into instructional design, where I now develop curriculum and training for learners of all ages.
I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a Master’s degree in Instructional Systems Design. Over the years, I’ve created courses for different types of learners in various educational settings. I love taking complex topics and making them engaging and accessible. At HVACRedu.net, I collaborate with industry experts to create learning solutions that empower HVAC technicians to grow their skills and advance their careers.
I believe great education transforms lives, and I’m committed to creating content that truly enhances the learning experience.
Ryan Bingham
Learning Technology and Systems Specialist
Kate George
Executive Assistant
My position with HVACRedu.net is to keep the boss organized, no small task. In my past positions I have worked with the Windows Suite of products and Quickbooks, along with “hands-on” experience with numerous business machines, systems and their computer systems. My typing speed is approximately 65/WPM along with 10-key by touch.
I have over thirty years of working experience in a wide variety of companies (it has been an interesting, educational and fun career, so far), including fifteen years of banking experience, starting as a teller and working into the positions of increased responsibility along with supervisory positions. All of the positions throughout my career required customer service contact, ranging from “day-to-day” transactions to resolving customer and employee problems and/or complaints, business development and maintaining good customer/employee relations.
Phoebe Harker-Rivera
Bilingual Academic Coordinator – Development and Admin Support
I am privileged to be part of HVACRedu.net, where my job description should be “human multi-purpose tool”. I received a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish from Rocky Mountain College in Billings, MT, and a Master of Arts in Spanish Translation from the Monterey Institute of International Studies in Monterey, CA. I studied in Spain and in Chile. I went on to accumulate a wide variety of translation work experience as a freelance translator/interpreter, as well as a bilingual legal assistant, a bilingual medical historian, and an in-house translator for a major newspaper in northern Mexico. I also worked as a bookkeeper for a small California publishing company and as a licensed sales assistant for investment firms in Chicago, IL.
As a native Montanan who left to seek my fortune elsewhere, only to return to the family farm to raise my kids, I appreciate the power of the internet and online education which allow you to study and work from anywhere you have an internet connection. I enjoy applying my language skills to our effort to promote the education of a portion of the population that might otherwise languish unnoticed. It’s good to be part of a company that sees a need and finds a way to satisfy it. In my spare time (what’s that?) I enjoy spending time with my two kids, reading, gardening, cooking, and tramping around the farmstead.
Jessica Blinn
Student Services Lead/Fulfillment Specialist
After beginning my career in the medical field, I spent several years working in healthcare and continued to expand my skills through additional nursing certifications. I later served in corrections with the Sheriff’s Department, working as both a Corrections Officer and in Correctional Nursing. That experience strengthened my ability to communicate clearly, stay organized under pressure, and solve problems with empathy and precision.
Geri Lee
Let me introduce myself. My name is Geri Lee and I am very excited to be involved in a company that is a leader for Online Education in the Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Industry. I have more than 30 years in accounts receivable and accounts payable. I have been “self-employed” for the past 23 years billing for rural ambulance companies.
I am very involved with my community. I sit on our Museum Board, Park District Board, Hospital Board, Fire District Auxiliary Board and our Community Players Board. I love acting. I have been involved with our Heron Players Drama Club for 16 years. I am a huge game player and love road trips, hunting with my husband and hanging out with friends.
Corina Denison-Lloyd
Affiliate Support and Sales Specialist
I have been with HVACRedu.net for over 5 years. In my time here I have helped thousands of people make online HVAC/R training and certifications a reality. My focus is quality information and service. Our team is here to help you along your training journey.
Sheila Young
Marketing and Sales Assistant
I am a creative and detail-oriented Marketing and Sales Assistant. With a strong foundation in communication and organization and an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education. I bring a unique perspective and a passion for supporting our mission-driven team. I thrive on helping develop and deliver innovative marketing campaigns that make a meaningful impact. I have a deep love for Geology, Theology, HVACR, and most importantly, my family. I live in the mountains of Montana with my husband and have three grown chidren and 5 grandchildren who spend summers with us and share my love for adventure and fun, like rock hounding, gardening and embarking on as many outdoor experiences as we can possibly fit into our busy schedules.
Bryan Lloyd
Marketing Manager, Media Services and Student Services Specialist
Hello, I’m Bryan Lloyd and I began learning about audio production and technology at the early age of six when my father, Ron Lloyd (a professional musician and DJ) gave me access to the production room at KASH-Radio in Eugene, Oregon. Living a life surrounded by music, I’ve been involved in many facets of the business, including nationwide touring and performing with various artists and bands; involvement in several recording studios; and worked in the Promotions Department for Capitol Records in Hollywood. Additional experience includes product and promotional designs for CD’s, advertisements, and video production using a wide variety of software.
I was also the Entertainment Coordinator at the world-famous Columbia Gorge Hotel in Hood River, Oregon. My non-traditional background has brought me to HVACRedu.net where I have been putting my unique creative energies and technical skills to work in support of the learning campus, our web site, and with some of our marketing outreach. You might hear from me if you are one of our online learners as well.
In my spare time, I enjoy playing piano for retirement communities/nursing homes and spending quality time with my amazing family. I also love to work on beautifying the grounds around our mountain cabin and chopping fire wood.
Richard Young
Web and Media Development Specialist
